We have also been active in the renewable energy field with complete mechanical stress and dynamic analysis of wind turbine systems, solar panels and photovoltaic systems.

Our work portfolio ranges from deep-diving submarines to large motor home chassis analysis to USAF satellites. The only commonality in our FEA consulting work is that every project has passed our clients’ requirements with flying colors. Contact us to discuss your project.

Some FEA Project Examples (text listing)

Thermal-Stress Simulation of Kovar-Ceramic Components for the Electronics Industry

Many high-technology components require the use of ceramic components due to their unique thermal and electrical properties. If metallic components are brazed onto these ceramics, one can expect to see the development of significant thermal-stresses as the assembly cools down from the typical 600 C brazing temperature. Although this type of stress analysis sounds routine, challenges arise with the idealization of the braze interface and the temperature dependency of the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of Kovar and stainless steels. Over the years, we have done numerous projects where we have numerically investigated the brazing process based on linear and nonlinear material properties. Given that our FEA thermal-stress results have been validated in test and in service we feel confident that our brazing models are doing a good job in simulating reality.

Electrical Interconnect with On-Board Intelligence

Based in the silicon forest, Predictive Engineering has done a variety of projects to investigate the thermal, thermal-stress and vibration characteristics of electronic interconnect devices. As the push to miniaturize devices means that simple cables are often tasked with performing circuity functions or termed as Active Optical Cables where the cable itself is performing the digital to optical conversion on the fly. Since these devices generate significant heat, thermal analysis is a key design requirement. Along with thermal, a vibration analysis is often required to meet aerospace requirements. A typical analysis scenario is to investigate the thermal profile of the device via steady-state conduction and then add radiation and finally conjugate heat transfer to capture the complete thermal behavior. However, a simple FEA thermal model is often sufficient to generate sufficiently accurate thermal-stress results. The vibration analysis is typically based on a PSD profile. Of more direct interest is the fatigue analysis of the solder ball or BGA grid of Application Specific Integrated Chips (ASIC) mounted to the printed circuit board (PCB). Using strain results from the thermal-stress in combination with 3 sigma PSD strains, a basic Steinberg type fatigue analysis can be quickly carried out on the solder joints. In other work we have investigate the lead failure as the chip independently moves against the PCB. This more detailed work is harder to justify since most modern ASIC manufactures have greatly improved the robustness of their metal lead connectors leaving just the in-plane solder connection as the major worry. Besides this thermal-stress fatigue work, the main body of the connector was studied for its response to the PSD excitation and whereas to pass this device, it was required to perform a detailed fatigue analysis based on 1-, -2 and -3 sigma PSD stresses as applied to the MMPDS fatigue curve for 6061 aluminum. This cumulative damage approach where the number of cycles were based on the crossing frequency and the statistical percentage of the PSD stress, demonstrated that the connector could pass with margin.

Design and Analysis of Large Mobile Mining Equipment

Starting with a preliminary frame design for a mineral sizer, an FEA model was built and used to determine problem areas and help design addition support structures. The massive dead weight of the material and structure, combined with tight size restrictions, required an efficient model that allowed easy design changes and quick stress analysis.

Eyeglasses with Heads-up Digital Display

A pair of eyeglasses with a built-in digital display required a detailed FEA model to recover accurate deflection and rotation data necessary for optics calculations. The assembly consisted of the frame, optics, electronics and stiffening members. With multiple materials with differing CTEs, both static loads and thermal boundary conditions were necessary to fully capture the behavior of the device under operating conditions.

Aerospace Seat Reaction Force Analysis

A simple FEA model with static body acceleration loading was used simulate crash scenarios. Forces were recovered a at seat mounting locations for 108 different loading scenarios. Custom programming was implemented to automate post-processing.

Thermal-Stress Analysis of a 500 kW Generator Housing

This project involved FEA modeling, meshing and analysis of integrated power module generator housing. Model loading included thermal loads, pressure loads, static forces and interference fits. The housing was evaluated against ASME Section VIII, Div. 2 allowables. This project was a mixture of classic thermal-stress analysis with the results presented against the ASME stress allowables for the client’s material selection.

Hydraulic Manifold Casting - Stress Concentration Study

The objective of this analysis was to investigate stresses near the intersection of two cross drilled holes within an A356-T61 cast aluminum structure. With extreme internal pressure, the stresses at the intersection were reaching the allowable limits of the material. This study determined that at design pressure, a different material selection was required, regardless of reinforcement.

Bent Axis Hydraulic Pump Yoke - Stress and Deflection Analysis

The objective of this analysis was to investigate stresses and deflections within a bent axis hydraulic pump. The cast iron pump experiences extreme internal pressure and external loading. The FEA model guided the design of the casting by illustrating where reinforcing material was needed and where weight can be saved. Local deflections at interfaces were recovered to ensure that hydraulic seals between mating components would not be compromised.

Paper Forming Roll Stress Analysis

A 3D solid FEA model was created with static loading to simulate forces from adjacent rolls and wrapped materials. The model showed that the forming roll would be safe for operation after refurbishing removed material and reduced wall thickness.

Spray Dryer Structural Frame Analysis

This objective of this project was to provide a static and nonlinear buckling analysis of a large (200’) spray dryer under thermal, dead weight, wind and seismic loading. Although minor design changes to the structure were expected post-analysis, the safety margins were large enough, reasonable changes to members, cross bracing, and joints did not pose safety concerns. The results of this analysis showed that the structure was robust and that the client could be confident that manufacturing price estimate was representative of that for the final structure.

Wind Turbine Tower Analyses

A vibration study of three small wind turbine towers was conducted to determine the natural frequency of the towers. It was important to ensure that the rotating blades would not excite the normal modes of the structures. Once the normal modes of the towers were calculated, an excitation load was applied with at sine-sweep at the top of the towers. The goal was to idealize any rotor imbalance loads and apply them to the tower throughout the operating rotational-speed range of the turbine

In addition to the analysis of the erect towers, it was important to analyze the bottom-out event the towers experience as the hinged structure is lowered to the ground. Using the FE model to determine the stiffness of the towers in the lowered position, it was possible to calculate the deceleration of the towers as they experience the bottom-out event. This load was applied to the FE models with a body-acceleration.

Wind Turbine Assembly Analyses

A small wind turbine rotor was analyzed to verify its compliance with the International Electrotechnical Commission wind turbine generator systems (IEC 61400-1) publication. The project started with a review of IEC 61400-1 and verification of the load calculations performed by the client. Once the loads were verified, the blade flange, shaft, nacelle and alternator housing were analyzed for worst case wind conditions. Several design iterations where evaluated which yielded a final passing design.

Pump Vibration and Shaft Stress Analysis

The vibration requirements of this project state that it was imperative to identify the normal modes of the structure and ensure that they would not be excited by operation of the equipment. Submerging a structure into fluid will have a dramatic effect on the damping and natural frequency of the structure. The mass of the structure was adjusted to account for the effects of the fluid surrounding the pump within the confines of the pump can. The FE model was built with a combination of plate, beam, mass and rigid body elements. A heavy emphasis was placed on creating an efficient model with quick run times. These quick run times allowed for many iterations of model adjusting and analysis over a short period of time.

Threaded Plastic Regulator with Pressure Load

A static stress analysis was performed on a threaded plastic regulator. This analysis required that the FE model was built with fine detail in key locations but reasonably low overall model size for quick and efficient solve times. These key locations include area of high stress (as determined by pilot models), threaded regions and areas in contact.

Gearbox Top Drive Rebuild

When a large high-strength steel gearbox casting ended up with some unintentional machining, a detailed FEA model was necessary to show that these new “features” wouldn’t result in stresses exceeding specification limits. The analysis showed that the machining did not generate any new stress concentrations above the stress limits dictated by API Specification 8C.

Aftermarket Truck Chassis Stiffener Stress Analysis

Emergency vehicles not only carry a payload much greater than the average vehicle will see, but they are subjected to extremely abusive driving conditions. These vehicles may require additional structural support to stiffen the chassis. For the manufacturer to honor the warranty of a vehicle with aftermarket chassis components, those components must receive aftermarket analysis. To test the effects of the aftermarket chassis stiffener, a complete chassis was constructed with a combination of plate, beam and rigid elements. Several load cases were selected that represent a range of operational conditions. For each load case, the chassis was analyzed with and without the aftermarket stiffener.

ASTM Transverse Break Strength Analysis of Clay Roof Tile

This collection of projects required ASTM Transverse break strength (ASTM C1492 03(2009)) analysis of several clay roof tiles. The objective was twofold: first, determine if the designs would pass the ASTM test, and second, if the analysis predicted failure, guide the next design iteration.

The UH-60L SAR Martin-Baker seat pallet was modified to accommodate a 5 mm thick ballistic grade, hardened steel plate. The original all aluminum design was extensively redesigned to handle the 72 crash landing load cases as required by US Army for structural integrity. Prior engineering analysis work was followed as detailed in LSF00571 for the HH-60G Martin-Baker seat pallet installation stress analysis report. In the revised design, a lightweight aluminum pallet is attached via 18 bolts to a hardened steel plate. The aluminum component was meshed with 8-node bricks and the steel plate with plate elements. The seat structure was modeled using beam elements and was attached to the pallet via seat inserts that slide within rails that are cut into the aluminum pallet. The loading scenario consists of a 225 lb crewman that is subjected to various acceleration loads up to 20g in any one direction. The model was run in full contact model to capture the mechanical behavior between the seat inserts and pallet and the pallet against the armored plate. Results were interpreted under design safety factors that corrected the linear stress values for plastic damage based on MIL-HDBK-5H for 7075 aluminum alloy sheet plate. For example, the plastic bending ultimate allowable for 7075-T7351 plate is 131 ksi (e/D = 2.0) given a yield stress of 59 ksi. Design changes were made based on the stress results and an engineering report created for submittal to the client and review by the US Army. Results were accepted with no comment.

High-Temperature Ceramic Plasma Tube Analysis

An aluminum oxide (Al2O3) plasma tube is fabricated by brazing several arc cast Molybdenum focusing rings within the inner tube. Upon cooling to room temperature, the CTE differences between the alumina and moly components have the potential to create high tensile stresses in the ceramic component. Given the specialized geometry of the plasma tube, a detailed finite element analysis was performed. Results from this analysis were used to guide the design of new Mo internal components that drastically reduced the stress levels in the AL2O3 tube. A fracture mechanics study for brittle materials indicated at these reduced stress levels, the component would have no problem surviving installation handling and cycling thermal loading. The part is in production today.

LED Glass Panel Inspection Line

This project analyzed a large glass panel conveyor line having a length of approximately 80 meters. Inspection stations were spaced along the line where traveling cameras would be used to monitor the quality of the glass panel. These cameras would move in a non-stochastic manner but would nevertheless set up low and high-frequency vibrations in the line. These vibrations would then deteriorate the camera imaging process and cause other measurement challenges. Modal analysis was performed on key components of the line and major natural modes were shifted to limit camera induced vibration. A transient, modal-superposition analysis was also conducted to check the transmittance of the structure. It was then determined that by mass tuning of the structure, almost all of the camera induced vibration could be eliminated. The final structure was then build based on these analysis results. This line is now operating at several factories and is reported to be much quieter than its predecessors.

Large, Industrial U-Joint Stress Analysis

A 10” diameter U-Joint was analyzed to determine its limit load capacity. Full contact was enforced between the yoke, pin, internal block and drive pin sub-assemblies. Material selection studies were done to determine what would be the best mix of hardened, nitrided steels or a low-alloy tool steel (h2) or a flame carburized 8630. Results from the stress analysis were used to refine an existing design through the use of a bigger drive pin with a larger diameter internal tightening bolt. The whole assembly was pre-loaded and it was noted that bolt preload was an essential engineering variable that should be closely monitored. Fatigue and limit load analysis gave hard predictions between torque and life expectancy. Based on these numbers, the U-Joint was put into production and has operated without failure.

Wind Turbine Tower and Transmission Hub Structural Analysis

A small 5 KW wind turbine tower was analyzed for wind and seismic loading per UBC and ASCE 7-02. The tower was a conical steel tube built up in two sections. A complete rainflow counting fatigue analysis was performed on the tower per UBC specifications. Along with the tower analysis, the turbine power transmission shaft and blade attachment hub were analyzed for peak wind loading and steady-state fatigue damage. Results from the stress analysis work led to several design changes to improves its fatigue life.

Sliding and Contacting Auto Body Repair Clamps

General stress analysis work was done on a variety of small sliding clamps for the auto body repair industry. The models would often be composed of several small cast parts that would interact. The FE models would enforce contact between the adjacent parts and then loaded to the required rating. Once the design was optimized and approved for casting, initial samples of the cast part would be tested. The use of finite element modeling has allowed this one company to avoid all initial part failures and potential for downstream lawsuits.

Submarine Analysis Work via ABS and ASME Codes

Predictive engineering has certified two large, manned commercial submarines and a third experimental submarine destined for the Mariana Trench. We have extensive experience in ABS and ASME PVHO codes that allows us to guide the client toward the most optimized design for a manned submersible. Complete FE analysis can be done with a nonlinear buckling calculation to validate the submarine design. Our work has been strain gauged and validated under ABS surveyor requirements.

Transmission Shaft Stress Analysis

Stress analysis on several different types of transmission shafts have been done at Predictive Engineering. Complete transmission boxes have been simulated with interacting gear contact, shaft bearings and the total resultant load transfer to the supporting frame. Motor shaft work has also been done for a motorcycle engine, gear box, and other mechanical equipment.

Normal Modes Analysis of Scanning Electron Microscope Wafer Holder

Although the use of linear dynamics is common place in the world of precision equipment, the development of high accuracy, predictive FE models can be difficult. This work involved the creating of a very detailed FE model of a wafer holder having more than a 1,000,000 elements. Normal modes results were experimentally checked and found to be within 1%. Subsequent follow on designs were explicitly base on the FE work and have been put into production with no downstream vibration performance problems.

CTE Thermal-Stress Analysis of Composites

Fiber reinforced epoxy materials whether reinforced with graphite or Kevlar or glass are prone to developing high internal stresses due to CTE mismatches. The worst combination is that of laminates with Kevlar and graphite fibers. The mismatch between CTE’s and the high-strength of the fibers can create high internal stresses in the laminate. Stress analysis work was done on an advanced CFRP composite that was coupled to sections containing blends of Kevlar and graphite layers. Results showed that the client could safely use the structure within the specified temperature range. This was done through the use of 2-D plate models and a complete 3-D analysis of individual layers. The Femap composite laminate modeler was instrumental in generating the FE model.

Electronic Connectors and Springs

The electronics industry enforces strict requirements on connector and contact spring performances. Although these devices are very simple mechanical elements, accurate analysis work is required to obtain useful fatigue results. Work has been performed for several major electronic device manufacturers in the design optimization of connector springs and clips, hook devices, and small mechanical parts. The majority of these parts were fabricated out of fully hardened Be-Cu or precipitation-hardened, martensitic stainless steel (SS 302).

Solar Panel Structural Design

Structural design was performed on a broad range of extruded aluminum sections to obtain an optimized design to support gale force wind loads (up to 50 lbf/ft^2). These panels are typically destined for residential and commercial roof tops. As part of the analysis, fatigue predictions were made on the aluminum components and fracture predictions for the glass cover sheet of the panel.

A finite element model was constructed to simulate a broad range of military transport conditions (captive carry), launch (separation shock) and delivery (Pyro Shock) following MIL-STD-810e with reference to Method 514.4 and 516.4. The model was analyzed via PSD and Response Spectrum analysis modes. A fully non-linear transient model (LS-DYNA) was used for the separation shock analysis. Results from this work were used to validate the design of a critical piece of military armament.

Mechanical engineering analysis on a broad range of clamps and hooks used in the auto body repair industry

These clamps often involve multiple parts with contact behavior between highly stressed components. Stress analysis results are used to guide product development and optimize the tool design for weight and biometrics. Not only must the tool have a high strength to weight ratio, it must also fit comfortably in the hand of the user. All stress results are verified on production prototypes. Outstanding correlation between FEA results and tool load carrying capability has been demonstrated over seven years of product development. Modeling notes: FEA models are routinely created from complex sculpted Pro/E geometry files.

A free body diagram was developed to map the force transfer between the pedal arm and the body components. FEA was then performed on each separate part. By performing this analysis as a piece-part job, it was not necessary to implement a nonlinear contact algorithm allowing the analyses to run efficiently and quickly. Modeling notes: FEA models were imported from SDRC I-DEAS iges geometry.

Research program into the application of fracture mechanics toward the fatigue crack growth prediction of cast components

Leveraging experimental fatigue crack growth data provided by the company, fracture mechanics principles were applied in the analytical and FEA calculation of stress intensity factors (Kic). These stress intensity factors were then used to predict fatigue crack growth based on a modified Paris Law crack growth model in experimental castings. A three-dimensional (3-D) crack growth FEA model was also developed to extract full-field crack growth information. The final report showed good correlation between analytical and experimental life-cycle predictions.

Structural analysis to optimize the world’s first 100% plastic house and foundation

Finite element analysis was performed on the roof, walls, and foundation structural components. Analysis challenges were found in accurately capturing the large deflection, stress-stiffening behavior of the roof structure and in developing an accurate foundation model. The foundation was particularly tricky due to the non-linear contact between the simulated floor joist and ground connections. Analysis results are being used to drive the design process toward more structurally optimized shapes utilizing less plastic while achieving higher strengths. Insights gained during this modeling effort show that extrusions will work as well as pultrusions for most continuous shapes.

Multi-component FEA model of a ultrasonic transducer head for a medical equipment start-up company

The model included the PZT ceramic transducer, foam backing, brass support structure and a polyethylene cap. Stress and deflection results were obtained based on pressure loading across the face of the transducer head. Based on material property data for the PZT ceramic, the transducer head was certified for manufacturing.

Modal frequency analysis performed on an optical thermal imaging pod used by major aircraft and helicopter manufacturers

The assembly included a mixture of aluminum castings, forgings, and electric sub-assemblies. The analysis model was then excited through a sinusoidal sweep under a prescribed acceleration loading. Harmonics were identified within the structure and compared to experimental shaker table results. Good correlation was shown between the FEA and shaker table results. The final report substantiated that the internal electrical components of the pod would be relatively unaffected by external harmonic excitation.

A broad range of analyses techniques used to virtually engineer stoker grates and their sub-assemblies for the world’s largest manufacturer of these critical components within power generation furnace boilers

Stoker grates sit underneath almost every power generation boiler in the world. Their purpose is to support the fuel load (coal, wood chips, food processing waste, etc.), to provide a combustion air stream, and finally, to remove the burnt residue (ash). Vibrating the ash transport mechanism is the massive stoker bed via an oscillating drive. Structural issues arise due to vibration harmonics and temperature induced stresses. Direct transient finite element analysis was used to investigate piping stresses within the stoker grate. Models were built for the complete range of stoker grates using a complex medley of plates, beams, and spring elements. All of these models were subjected to direct transient, direct frequency and modal frequency dynamic analyses. Results from this work were used to optimize the stoker designs and to ensure extended service life. Additionally, thermally induced stresses in large castings were also investigated. Residual stresses arising from thermally induced plastic deformation were found to significantly affect the structural performance, and design changes were implemented in these castings.

Physics based kinematics model of impact hammer used to pulverize coal

Dynamic derived forces were then used to structurally optimize a wear-resistant impact hammer. The goal was to lower the stresses in the hammer allowing the use of a more abrasion-resistant cast iron. Design optimization through the use of finite element analysis facilitated the development of a novel impact hammer using an A-R cast iron that was hitherto unthinkable. A fracture mechanics assessment was also included as part of this investigation.

Forensic FEA work performed for a major supplier of after-market auto parts

A complete suspension module was idealized into a finite element model to allow the correct application of torsional boundary conditions to the sway bar component under investigation. Plate elements were used to model the rear sway arms while solid elements were used to allow the construction of a detailed model of the welded sway bar structure. The two FEA structures were connected together using rigid links and spring elements to simulate the coupling effects of bolts and rubber bushings. FEA results were used to validate new designs and to optimize the final design candidate. Field testing validated the modeling results and the part is now in production.

FEA services provided to the world’s market leader in the manufacturing of large, complex, high-quality structural investment castings for the aerospace market

A very large complex investment casting model was analyzed for structural integrity. The wax pattern was modeled using 10-node tetrahedral elements with the investment shell modeled via a surface skin of shell elements. The assembly was then supported through risers and stiffeners attached to a steel platform. This complex assembly was then evaluated under multiple loading conditions. Stress results allowed greater confidence in the integrity of the final production casting.

FEA modeling and optimization work to develop the next generation of Stekel mill coiling drums

Stekel mills are gaining in popularity as a cost-effective alternative to multi-stand steel mills for the production of high-grade plate and sheet steels. A coiling drum is subjected to high stresses and high temperatures as it coils thick plate during the reversing Stekel mill operation. This project work was performed for a large industrial casting operation and it end user steel mill client. Several designs were virtually evaluated for high temperature deflection and strength characteristics. At the end of many design iterations, a new interior rib design was developed that provided 2x greater stiffness and lowered notch stresses at the slot opening. This coiling drum is now in service and performing as designed.

Aircraft Landing Gear Set

Finite element analysis was performed on a landing gear structure for a major aircraft landing gear manufacturer. Aerospace analysis work requires extreme attention to model construction, mesh quality, and analysis documentation procedure. The engineering idealization of the landing gear part was not trivial. To correctly account for contact behavior between the parts, gap elements were extensively used. With the employment of gap elements, the analysis procedure becomes nonlinear. Typically this is not a hindrance but due to the models large size (approximately 600,000 DOF) run time was a significant factor in the model‚s construction.

Multi-material combustion furnaces used for the generation of steam power, all have some form of stoker grate to hold the burning material (cellulose, garbage, tires, corn husks, etc.) and then to vibrate or stoke the ash off of the grate. This cycle of fuel combustion with intermittent addition of more fuel and then cyclically vibrating the ash off of the grate, all occurs at high temperatures and requires specialized cast materials and machinery that can within the high thermal-stresses generated within the stoker. When fuel is added to the system, it can drop from several meters and include heavy metal pieces. A classical impact analysis was performed based on the conversion of kinetic energy of the heavy metal chunk into instantaneous potential energy loaded on the spring supported stoker bed. Thermal-stress loads were also calculated based on the hot fuel side surface of the casting as compared to the air cooled underside of the castings. This thermal gradient was used to drive the CTE thermal-stress model of the furnace bed castings. Lastly, a modal frequency, cyclic fatigue analysis was done of the complete stoker bed to ensure that it would not fail under operation. Over the years, several stokers have been analyzed for thermal-stress fatigue under static and dynamic operating conditions. Although the fundamental design has decades of design tweaks, room is still found to make continued design improvements to lower its manufacturing costs while improving its service life.

Roller Chain Stress and Fatigue Analysis

Many manufacturing processes depend upon the conveying of materials via roller chain drives. When the chain fails, production stops and loses mount. Typically, roller chains are overdesigned to ensure long service lives but under depending conditions, wear of load bearing members often induces early fatigue failure. Analysis work was done on a high-carbon still roller chain system to improve its service life in the worn condition. Models were sculptured to represent known wear patterns and then analyzed under various drive torques. Stress analysis results were interpreted with respect to the material fatigue curve and the design was carefully optimized to maintain the same original weight while delivering superior long-term service life.

Pulp Mill Refiner Plate Stress Analysis

Pulp mills start with wood chips that are then thermal-mechanically refined into a pulp precursor. The refining process is done mechanically by feeding the wood chips or cellulose material between two large spinning disks. The outer perimeter of these disks is fitted with wear-resistant cast steel or iron plates. The faces of these plates have a blade-like or sharp-edge pattern that cuts and elongates the wood material as it is feed through the refiner. That is, the raw cellulose material enters through the center of the spinning disks and exits via the opposing faces of the spinning disks as elongated strands of fibrous material that is ready for the downstream paper making process. Predictive Engineering has done numerous stress and thermal-stress simulations over the years on refiner plates. The model takes into account the centrifugal acceleration effects of the spinning plates and the thermal expansion at temperature. These combined effects drive the stress state of the refiner plate. At times, a bolt-preload analysis has been done to assess the effects of the bolt clamp force in combination with the other loading. Additionally, a transient thermal-stress analysis was done to look at thermal shock effects as the refiner is suddenly brought up to production by the introduction of super-heated steam.

Stress Analysis of Endoscopic Surgical Staple Anvil

A small surgical stapling anvil was breaking during the endoscopic procedure. The part was manufactured by powdered metallurgy and after determining that it was not a metallurgical problem, a stress analysis model was built from 3D geometry provided by the client. After a series of analyses using a hook load 40 lbf (provided by the client’s quality control department) where the stresses in the part far exceeded the material’s yield strength, it was determined that the load was too high. The client experimentally tested the stapling process and measured the operational load to be 14 lbf. Once the QC load was reduced to 20 lbf, the anvil showed no signs of breakage and the project was closed out.

Vibration Analysis of Long-Bed Shakers for the Food Processing Industry

This project is one of our capstone projects. The client had a 100 foot long shaker that was tearing out its concrete footings due to unexpected harmonic vibration. Through a series of FEA models, the vibration response of the shaker was characterized and the design modified. The final configuration allowed a quick ramp-up to the desired oscillating frequency (transport) with no stray harmonics. Other designs were similarly engineered based on a normal modes followed by a modal frequency analysis. Some linear transient dynamic analysis work was done but the complete shaker response could be directly characterized with just a basic sine sweep analysis. The client eventually brought Femap and NX Nastran in-house with Predictive providing the start-up and continuing technical support. Since this implementation, the client has had nothing but successful startups on food processing shakers from a few feet to over a hundred feet.

Lombard Press Stress Analysis

Stress analysis was done on the hydraulic base frame of this 100-ton press. This work was similar to other stress analysis work we have done on press frames. The frame was analysis for surge loading under peak hydraulic pressure. Tensile regions in the frame were correlated to small cracks that were discovered in the press frame. A simplified crack growth analysis was done and it was determined that the cracks would not catastrophically propagate. To monitor their growth, the press was subsequently strain gauged. However, the cracks have remained stable per the prediction of the initial stress analysis work.

FEA Case Studies

A major antenna manufacturer contracted Predictive Engineering to perform a detailed verification study of their new antenna design for mobile applications. The objective was to ensure a robust design that was still lightweight and easy to manufacture.

The safe medical transport of patients implies that the patient can be moved from point A to point B without harm. Having a patient stretcher that doesn’t break or eject the patient into space is fundamental toward that goal of “safe transport”.

The vibration requirements of this project state that “The complete pumping unit…shall be free from dangerous critical speeds from 20 percent below to 30 percent above the operating speeds required to achieve the specified performance characteristics.” In simpler terms, this means it was imperati

A typical design for large sprockets found on earth moving equipment and large conveyors, is to bolt the segmented sprocket onto a hub. Over time, as the sprockets are worn out, they can be replaced on-site without extensive downtown.

During the inspection of a thrust bearing at a hydroelectric dam, cracks were observed at the welds of the gussets of the thrust collar. This instigated the inspection of other thrust collars at the facility and similar cracks were noted in each of the thrust collars. It was clear that analysis

A vibration study of a small wind turbine was conducted to determine the natural frequency of the tower. It was important to ensure that the rotating blades would not excite the normal modes of the structure. In addition to the analysis of the erect tower, it was important to analyze the bottom

A detailed finite element analysis (FEA) was done on a new lift-truck design. The analysis work was validated against the as-built lift-truck and shown to accurate predict tower deflections under load.

When new car or truck engines are manufactured, a cold spin-up test is often performed. During this test, the engine is spun while vibration transducers, accelerometers and pressure gauges measure the engine’s performance.

For the operators of the large hydroelectric dams on the Columbia River, enhancement of salmon runs is a key priority. This project replaced existing steel fish passageways with high-strength composite structure that would allow the use of sophisticated fish tracking magnetic field sensors.

Predictive Engineering has been involved with the analysis of medical devices since 1995 with its first work on an endoscopic surgical stapler to pedicle screws to all-plastic medical device to our current work with micro-cables and filar wrapped tubes for robotic surgery applications. In all ca

Our work has been tested, shaker-tabled and in-the-field benchmarked with tightly correlated outcomes on every model. Over the years, our models have consistently been within 10% of experimental measurements and our mode is typically 5%.